Lux Style Awards: It’s time to play dress-up

The Lux Style Awards (LSA) is arguably the single most distinguished awards forum in the country. It may not be the most perfect answer to the highly stylized and extravagant award shows across the border, like the Filmfare awards, but it is undoubtedly an event which gave birth to the ‘red carpet’ phenomena in Pakistan.

While the event has certainly trickled down from its grand inception in Dubai in 2002 – and an even majestic continuation in Malaysia in 2006, where a bevy of Indian celebrities also graced the occasion – it still provides the show business a platform to frolic and flaunt not only their milestones for the year, but also themselves.

With the fashion industry getting considerably more structured and becoming more prolific than it has in previous years and the phrase ‘who are you wearing’ getting more prominence each year, LSA gives for an exciting watch of who’s made it to the best (and conversely, the worst) dressed list. The Express Tribune speaks to the novel and bright fashion designers about what they will wear and who they want to dress for the glamorous occasion.

Rana Noman

Would wear: An Athar Hafeez sherwani and pants.

Would dress: “Amna Ilyas and Aaminah Sheikh. Ilyas is so happening and fabulous and although I have done a shoot with her, I haven’t really dressed her. For her, I’d make a chiffon gharara with a chikan kari tunic. For Sheikh, who has never really worn a sari at an event, a deep maroon, burgundy sari with deep polki emeralds.”

Fahad Hussayn

Would wear: My signature raven kurta with some interesting add ons.

Would dress: Model Noore Bhatti. “I have already created a non-embellished contemporary colourful dress for her. Noore fascinates me as a person and as a model. She has great balance in her persona. She’s like Kate Moss; her gaze draws you endlessly and she’s as good on print as she is on the ramp.”

Mohsin Ali

Would wear: A formal and colourful suit.

Would dress: Model Fayeza Ansari. “She has an edgy style and personality coupled with a bit of craziness. For Ansari, I would design a very short dress with constructed shoulders that comprises of a dash of Pakistani touch in a very unconventional, very modern way that is very today.”

Akif Mehmood

Would wear: A formal suit. I usually dress very casually at fashion weeks and shows

Would dress: Model-cum-actor Iman Ali and singer Hadiqa Kiyani. “I am known for my longer silhouettes with a shorter, heavily embellished dress inside. My passion has always been longer coats and these women will carry it to perfection.”

Adnan Pardesy

Would wear: A classic black sherwani. Well cut and simple.

Would dress: Designer Feeha Jamshed and model Cybil Choudary. “These are strong, stylish women who are willing to go an extra mile to create a statement. They go very well in the philosophy with which I create clothes. For Feeha, I would recommend a western gown since she hasn’t ever worn one and for Cybil, a bustier and an open sherwani to suit her personal style.